Hello gorgeous! 🌟

Every year around this time, do you find yourself scouring the ‘Best of Beauty’ lists from Allure, People, Cosmopolitan, Shape, and the like? If you haven’t, no worries—I’ve done the legwork for you! I’ve combed through all the newly released 2023 editions to see which new products are intriguing, which go-to’s earned a spot, and which of my favorites surprisingly didn’t make the cut. While I’m no certified expert, my drawers full of products give me some street cred in this subject and I want to share my insights. So, let’s dive into how the Best of Beauty 2023 lists measure up this year.

Note: Some Links may be Commissionable.

Best of Beauty 2023 Award Winners I’m Curious About 🛒

So, there are a few products that popped up on multiple lists, and just might end up on my holiday wish list. They have been deemed “splurge-worthy”! Santa, are you taking notes?

  • Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial: Allure’s Best Weekly Peel award winner, this is one I’m dying to try. My sister swears by it, saying it leaves her skin feeling rejuvenated and glowing. It’s a facial treatment that promises to brighten, tighten, and exfoliate in one go. If it’s as good as she says, it could become a new staple in my skincare routine.
  • Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum: This is another product on my “to-try” list. It features Retinaldehyde, which is a less irritating form of Vitamin A compared to Retinol but more potent than Retinyl Palmitate. It’s great for anti-aging and skin renewal. I currently use Avene Retrinal, which I love, but I’m open to switching it up and giving this one a try next. Retinaldehyde is especially effective for those looking to combat signs of aging while minimizing irritation, making it an excellent option for sensitive skin.
  • Olay Super Serum: This serum has been making waves, landing on not just one but three “Best of Beauty” lists this year! It’s packed with ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which are essentials in my skincare routine. Given its rave reviews and multiple accolades, I’m eager to see if it lives up to the hype. Perfect for the winter months when my skin needs that extra boost of hydration and glow!
  • Saie Glowy Super Skin Weightless Press-In Serum Foundation: Here’s another one on my “must-try” list. I’m already a fan of their Slip Tint, but there are days when I crave a bit more coverage. This foundation is intriguing because it’s described as a serum-foundation hybrid, promising not just coverage but also skin-loving benefits. If it lives up to the hype, it could be the perfect solution for those days when my skin needs a little extra TLC.
  • Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey: This one has been making waves, and I’m pretty sure it went viral at some point this year. Clinique was a staple for many of us growing up in the late ’80s and early ’90s, so I’m curious to try this throwback product. It’s been hailed as a universally flattering shade, and I’m eager to see if it lives up to the hype.
  • Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo: This is one I haven’t had the chance to try yet, but it’s been making waves on Instagram and TikTok. It’s a dual product featuring both crème contour and powder bronzer, which seems like a convenient and versatile addition to any makeup routine. I’m definitely intrigued and looking forward to giving it a go.
  • Bobbi Brown Long Wear Eyeshadow Stick: This is another one that’s caught my eye, but I haven’t taken the plunge yet. I’m a fan of eyeshadow sticks for their convenience and ease of use. Currently, I’m using Colourpop Shadow Stix (color plum tart for blue eyes), which I absolutely adore, and I have also liked e.l.f.’s No Budge Shadow Sticks. The Bobbi Brown shades look stunning, but I’m still debating whether the higher price point is justified compared to the more budget-friendly options that I already love.
  • MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Cream Contour and Highlight Sculpting Palette: This palette is on my wishlist, especially after it snagged InStyle’s Best Contour award. It promises to offer a high-definition finish for contouring and highlighting, making it perfect for those special occasions or even everyday glam. I’m eager to see if it lives up to the hype and delivers that flawless, sculpted look. It it also recommended by a well known makeup artist I follow on TikTok as her holy grail for her “underpainting” makeup technique.
  • MAKEUP BY MARIO MoistureGlow™ Plumping Lip Color: This lip color has been on my radar for a while now. It promises to deliver both moisture and a plumping effect, which sounds like a dream combo for the winter season when lips can get so dry. The range of shades also looks incredibly versatile, perfect for any holiday look. I’m curious to see if it delivers on its promise of a fuller, more luscious pout while keeping my lips hydrated.

My Best of Beauty 2023 Award Faves 🌟

Here are some of my go-to products that made the Best of Beauty 2023 Award lists.

  • La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5: This made the “Best of Beauty” list, and for good reason. It’s a multi-purpose balm that’s great for soothing irritated or dry skin. It’s a lifesaver for those harsh winter months and works wonders on sensitive skin.
  • Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner: InStyles Best Exfoliator for Oily and Acne Prone Skin, this one is a keeper and for good reason. The blend of PHA and BHA works wonders on minimizing pores, and let’s not forget the refreshing watermelon scent. I only use it once a week in the winter – if you’re prone to dryness go easy, you don’t want to over-exfoliate.
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Sunscreen: Allure’s Best Mineral Sunscreen winner, this is a game-changer. Not only does it offer broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, but it’s also tinted, which gives a nice, light coverage. It’s ultra-light, so it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin. I love how it blends seamlessly and enhances my complexion while keeping it protected.
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Poreless Putty Primer: People’s Best Pore Refining Primer winner, this has earned its spot in my makeup routine. It’s a fantastic base that really helps to minimize the appearance of pores and create a smooth canvas for foundation. Plus, it’s super affordable, which is always a win in my book.
  • ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40: This one made the list, and I couldn’t agree more. Alongside Saie Slip Tint, it’s one of my go-to light foundations that feels more like a tinted moisturizer than a heavy base. It’s incredibly lightweight, blends seamlessly, and the SPF 40 is a bonus. Perfect for those days when you want a natural, dewy look without feeling like you’re wearing a mask of makeup.
  • L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara: This mascara is a game-changer for those who want long, defined lashes without the clump. The wand is designed to separate and lift each lash, giving you that wide-eyed look. It’s a high-quality product at a drugstore price, making it a win-win in my book.
  • Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush: This one made the list, and I couldn’t agree more. The pigmentation is off the charts, meaning a little goes a long way, and it lasts forever. The color selection is also fantastic, catering to various skin tones and preferences. My personal favorite shade is “Believe,” which, funny enough, seems to be a hit with my daughter, too—she liked it so much she took mine with her to college!
  • e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand, Liquid Highlighter: This is a fantastic dupe for the Rare Beauty highlighter but at a fraction of the cost. I have this in my collection, and it’s a go-to for me. It gives that perfect, subtle glow without breaking the bank. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a budget-friendly highlighter that delivers.
  • NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip: This one made the lists, and for good reason. It’s a lip oil that provides just the right amount of shine and hydration without feeling sticky. It’s a great everyday lip product that keeps my lips moisturized and adds a subtle pop of color. It’s definitely a staple in my makeup bag.

My Unsung Heroes 🎶

And then there are my personal faves that didn’t make any list. How did they miss these gems?

  • Bioderma’s Hydrabio H2O Micellar Water: This is perfect for dry winter skin and is incredibly gentle, making it a year-round go-to for me.
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser: While some other La Roche-Posay cleansers made the lists, this one is my go-to, especially during the winter months. It’s incredibly gentle on the skin and has a hydrating formula that leaves my face feeling soft and moisturized, not stripped. It’s a must-have for anyone dealing with the harsh winter air.
  • CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream: Now, this one didn’t make the “Best of Beauty” lists, but it’s my personal holy grail. The moment I apply it, I can’t help but sigh with relief. It feels incredibly soothing on my skin, and honestly, I think it outperforms other creams I’ve tried that cost three times as much. If you’re a retinol user and you sandwich it between moisturizer layers like I do, this is perfect! This night cream delivers without breaking the bank.
  • CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid: This didn’t make it to the “Best of Beauty” lists, but it’s a staple in my skincare routine. It’s a fantastic morning pick-me-up for your skin, packed with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. The price point is also a big win. I love this in the am and my in the pm (both with the CeraVe Night Cream) for a well-rounded skincare regimen.
  • NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Thick It Stick It Thickening Brow Mascara: This brow mascara is a game-changer for those with light eyebrows like me. The formula is buildable, allowing you to go from a natural look to bold brows with just a few strokes. It’s perfect for adding that much-needed definition and fullness. It may not have made the “Best of Beauty” lists, but it’s a hidden gem worth trying.
  • Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser: This is another one that didn’t make the official lists but deserves a shoutout. What sets this concealer apart for me is its serum-like texture. It glides on smoothly and doesn’t settle into fine lines, making it a fantastic option for a non-creasing concealer. If you’re in the market for a concealer that feels as good as it looks, give this one a try.

Best of Beauty 2023 For the Holidays 🎁

Why make beauty a focus this holiday season? Because glowing up isn’t just for your home decor or holiday outfits; it’s also about treating yourself to the ultimate gift of self-care. Winter brings its own set of skincare challenges, and your summer routine might not be up to the task. So let’s elevate our beauty game and step into those holiday events glowing from head to toe!

Check out the OG Best of Beauty 2023 Awards and compare your list- Allure Best of Beauty Awards 2023, People Best of Beauty 2023, Cosmopolitan Best of Beauty 2023, Shape Best of Beauty, InStyle Best of Beauty.

If you want a complete list of all the items we found on the Best of Beauty Award lists this year, subscribe and we will send it to you!

What are your thoughts? Did your must-haves make the lists? Did you see something you have to try? Let’s share the glow—drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Here’s to a holiday season filled with radiance and joy! 🎄✨

PS. Don’t miss out on our TikTok Trends: The ‘Sandwich Method’  for this season’s fashion styling trend.